Climbing Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head is the shortest and easiest route to the summit of England’s highest mountain. The route runs alongside Lingmell Gill and includes a slippery river crossing before following a path between boulders to the summit trig point. On a clear day, views stretch across the coast and most of the Lake District fells.
Start and End Location: Wasdale Head Village Green
Start Postcode: CA20 1EX
Distance: 8.6km
Time: 4-4.5 hours
Facilities: Toilets just south of the car park
GPX Download: Link below map
Grade: Easy Mountain Walk – while the navigation is straight forward, and the route isn’t particularly steep, Scafell Pike is England’s highest mountain and the walk shouldn’t be underestimated. Always check the mountain forecast, especially the wind speed and visibility.
Head south from the car park, back along the road. Go through the left hand wooden gate, marked with a public footpath sign for ‘Scafell Pike via Lingmell’.
Follow the grassy path across the field to reach a wooden bridge. Cross the bridge, turn right and go through the gate. Continue on the rocky path as it climbs uphill, with great views over Wast Water lake.
The path joins a wider track and bears left to go through a wooden gate. The rocky path climbs next to Lingmell Gill and eventually turns right to cross the river; there are plenty of stepping stones but cross carefully as the rocks can be very slippery.
Continue to climb, with Lord’s Rake soon looming on the right. Go left at the fork and continue straight on. The path gradually bears left and then to the right. Cairns mark the way but they can be difficult to see between the boulder covered landscape.
At the junction, turn right (the left hand path leads to the more difficult corridor route) and continue to the summit, which is marked with an OS trig point and a small stone shelter.
After taking in the views, retrace your steps, remembering to turn left at the first junction and bear left downhill.
